Hall County School System Spokesman Gordon Higgins said 24,862 students showed up for their first day of classes, which is slightly under school system officials' projections.
"Historically, when we have started school like we did this year on a Friday, there are a lot of parents that will just wait until Monday to bring their children for day one," said Higgins.
He said starting on a Friday allows teachers and administrators to get a lot of administrative work out of the way before the new week starts.
Higgins said officials do expect to meet and exceed their projected number of 26,600 students enrolled in Hall County Schools in the coming weeks.
The head of the Gainesville City School System said the traffic situation around her system's schools was the best it's ever been for the first day back to class.
"We had a very smooth opening. I appreciate all of the patience and cooperation of parents this morning," said Superintendent Merrianne Dyer.
Dyer said 6,663 students showed up for the first day, which is about 300 less than school officials predicted they would have.
Dyer said she's confident that number will meet expectations as enrollment picks up over the next few weeks.
Several other school systems in North Georgia, including Forsyth and Gwinnett counties, had already kicked off their new school year.
Students arrive for the first day of school at Sardis Elementary School in Gainesville.
A sign outside of North Hall Middle School welcomes students to their first day of classes.
Administrators greet students as they arrive for their first day of school at North Hall Middle School.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/8/251664